Category: State News

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led a group of six senators in pressing three of the largest virtual testing companies used by schools and testing administrators amid the COVID-19 pandemic– ExamSoft, Proctorio, and ProctorU—to address alarming equity, accessibility, and privacy issues faced by students using the platforms.

Recent reports indicate students, particularly students of color and those with disabilities, have had severe issues using the software, been locked out of tests, or wrongly accused of cheating. For example, students of color and students wearing religious clothing like headscarves reported the software failed to recognize their facial features and they were temporarily barred from access.

“Students have run head on into the shortcomings of these technologies—shortcomings that fall heavily on vulnerable communities and perpetuate discriminatory biases,” wrote the senators in the letter to ExamSoft. Similar letters were sent to Proctorio and ProctorU. “It is critical that bias, including racial and gender disparities, be addressed expeditiously to ensure that our students of color are not facing additional barriers in their fields.”

The senators raised major concerns about the companies’ accommodations for students with disabilities, for example those with facial tic disorders or muscle reflexes, who may be flagged by the software as suspicious or cheating, and virtual proctors unprepared to accommodate students with disabilities.

“We are concerned that the software has not been designed to be inclusive and mindful of all students’ needs and proctors are not getting the training or information they need to adequately work with and oversee students taking the exams,” the senators continued.

The senators also expressed alarm over the safety and privacy of students who are being recorded and observed by virtual proctors, are required to install intrusive software on their personal computers, and provide extensive personal information about their homes and health to the companies, writing: “Students relying on your software to further their education have put a great deal of trust in you to reserve their privacy. You must be able to demonstrate that you are respecting students’ privacy.”

The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

A copy of the full letter to ExamSoft is available here

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WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) applauded passage of Save Our Seas 2.0, legislation to combat marine debris. Murphy and Murkowski are both cosponsors of the bill, which was introduced and led by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey). The legislation includes a Murphy-Murkowski drafted provision that allows for the establishment of a new Genius Prize to fund the development of materials to replace single use plastic and innovations that remove and prevent plastic waste. 

“The amount of plastic flowing into our oceans poses a huge problem. That’s why I was proud to work with Senators Sullivan, Whitehouse and Menendez on the bipartisan Save our Seas 2.0 Act, which will reduce the amount of plastic in our oceans at home and abroad,” said Senator Murphy. “I am also grateful the final bill includes language I drafted with Senator Murkowski to allow for the establishment of a genius prize to clean up marine debris and replace single-use plastics. There’s more work to do, but this bill is an important step in the right direction.”

“Alaskans depend on healthy oceans and coastlines to support the marine resources that so many of our communities depend on. Whether it’s for our fisheries, tourism, or subsistence activities—maintaining a healthy marine environment is essential to our everyday lives. I applaud Senator Sullivan for his leadership on legislation to eliminate plastic waste polluting our oceans and am pleased by the Senate passage of Save Our Seas 2.0, legislation that I cosponsored,” said Senator Murkowski. “The bill includes a provision of mine with Senator Murphy to fund a new Genius Prize, which would reward innovation and creative strategies to combat the growing issue of marine debris. By creating incentives for the development of projects to clean up our oceans and shorelines, as well as to replace or improve single-use plastics, we are taking important steps to ensure healthier ocean environments for generations to come.”

Last year, Murphy voted to pass the related Save Our Seas 2.0: Enhanced Global Engagement to Combat Marine Debris Act out of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Murphy and Murkowski released the following statement after the legislation passed the Senate earlier this year.

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#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Ned Lamont is advising Connecticut residents that as demand for COVID-19 testing increases across the country, they should be on the lookout for scam artists seeking to take advantage of people most in need, including when searching for places to get tested. People in Connecticut are encouraged to use the state’s official coronavirus website – ct.gov/coronavirus – or the website of a provider like their local health clinic, hospital, or pharmacy to find a testing site. The governor said that these are reliable sources that can ensure people’s personal and health information will be protected. 

“Our testing program is one of the most robust in the country,” Governor Lamont said. “It’s troubling that scam artists would try to capitalize on that, but I know our municipalities — with our support — will continue to act quickly to stop these bad actors. Our residents should never hesitate to find a test if they are experiencing symptoms, living in a densely populated area, or living in an area with an outbreak.” 

COVID-19 testing sites in the state are run by institutions like hospitals, health clinics, and pharmacies that have the clinical background and appropriate licenses to oversee healthcare operations. There have been a small number of reports, most recently in Bridgeport, of pop-up testing sites claiming to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and even local public health clinics. 

Here’s what Connecticut residents should know to find valid testing sites:

• Those looking to locate testing sites are encouraged to use the testing locator feature at ct.gov/coronavirus or by call 2-1-1. Sites listed through the state have been vetted and are legitimate. 
• If residents notice a pop-up testing site that is not at a health clinic, they should check ct.gov/coronavirus or call 2-1-1 to verify the testing site’s legitimacy before giving the site any personal information. 
• People will never be asked for their social security number or financial information to get a test for COVID-19. If someone asks for this information, it is a scam. 
• People should never be asked for cash at a testing site. 
• When someone is tested for COVID-19, their information will be kept safe. The only people in touch with the patient after a test will be from their testing provider and – if the patient tests positive – a contact tracer.

If residents believe they visited a fraudulent testing site or that their information may have been compromised, they should:

• Contact their local police department and department of public health. 
• File a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Public Health Office of Facility Licensing and Investigations at dphflisevents.ct.gov/Complaints. They may also send an email to DPH.FLISlab@ct.gov. 
• Visit identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and make a plan to protect themselves.
• Review any bank or credit card accounts to ensure no activity looks suspicious. If something appears suspicious, they should report it to their bank or credit card company immediately.

“Since the start of the pandemic, Connecticut has been able to significantly bolster its testing capacity which has been a critical tool in defeating the spread of COVID-19,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “In recent weeks, however, we have seen scammers set up fake COVID-19 testing sites trying to cash in on this pandemic. That’s why it’s so important that all of our residents take the necessary precautions when finding a testing site. Before getting tested, verify a testing site’s legitimacy by calling 2-1-1 or checking our state website. Make sure you visit a healthcare facility like a hospital or community health center, and verify that a pop-up testing site is run by one of those trusted entities. If you are experiencing any symptoms or were exposed to someone who is positive, don’t hesitate to get tested.”
“Testing plays an important role in public health and safety during this pandemic – but it’s important that our residents have confidence in the quality and legitimacy of the site they’re visiting,” Connecticut Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said. “I encourage everyone to visit ct.gov/coronavirus to find a test, and to continue following public health guidelines – including staying home if you feel sick, or have a known exposure to someone who has COVID-19.”
“It is important to get tested for COVID-19, and residents should not be deterred by potential scammers,” Connecticut Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull said. “Most testing sites are legitimate, but there are some people out there who are unfortunately hoping to take advantage of a high-stress time for personal gain. We don’t want the occurrence of these scams to deter people from getting tested for COVID-19, but just as you would take steps to avoid scams in other parts of your life, it is also important to take precautions when choosing a testing site. Simple and easy steps like using ct.gov/coronavirus or calling 2-1-1 to quickly verify a testing site is legitimate is the easiest way to protect yourself. A legitimate testing site will never ask you for your social security number or bank account information or require a payment.”
“Scammers are always looking for ways to exploit crises for personal gain, and this pandemic is no different,” Attorney General William Tong said. “Through our joint state and federal COVID-19 fraud task force, we are investigating a wide range of misconduct, including healthcare fraud, price gouging, charities fraud and lending scams. If you are aware of COVID-19 related fraud or abuse, I want to know about it. The vast majority of testing sites are legitimate and licensed and no one should be deterred from getting a test. By taking basic precautions like checking first with ct.gov/coronavirus or by calling 2-1-1, you can be sure your test is safe, secure and legitimate.”
“Bridgeport residents are fortunate to have access to various official COVID-19 testing sites throughout the city,” Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim said. “We remain steadfast in our efforts to encourage everyone to get tested and take precautionary measures for their health and safety. While this is our new reality we will also safeguard against any individual that illegitimately uses this crisis as an opportunity to take advantage of people who are seeking help to prevent the spread of COVID in our community.”

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This year, our family’s table will have fewer people gathered around it than we’re used to. It’s tempting to see that as another sign of the times, but I choose to see it as a reminder of the inspiring efforts made by the everyday people of Connecticut to make this meal possible for us all. Words cannot express how grateful I am to live in a state where its residents look after one another, respect one another, and offer help when someone is in need. For that I thank you.

At this time of year it’s traditional to take time to reflect on what’s most important in our lives and express gratitude. Like so many things during this past year, it’s hard to find comfort in this familiar custom when there are reminders of the strangeness of the times all around us.

There’s no way to put on a cheerful face and pretend that everything is whole when we’ve lost so much. The virus has cost the lives of over 250,000 Americans, the jobs and livelihoods of countless more, and robbed us all of our everyday reality.

And yet there’s hope and plenty to be grateful for.

The adversity of this moment has reminded us how inspiring and courageous our fellow citizens are who have made sacrifices on our behalf. Connecticut’s doctors, nurses, and other public health workers have worked tirelessly through unthinkably long hours while putting their own safety at risk. Medical professionals have come out of retirement to provide assistance to hospitals and nursing homes, where the help is sorely needed. Our state has seen an outpouring of support from nonprofit partners who’ve stepped up to the plate to provide aid and services to those suffering. Connecticut’s teachers, some of the best in the country, have risen to the challenge of educating our children – a challenge in the best of times, as many of us found out first hand – while adapting to a remote environment.

All that is to say nothing of the ordinary Connecticut folks who have volunteered their time. People have come forward from all corners to man testing sites, deliver food to those in quarantine, and facilitate voting to ensure our democracy continues to thrive. Many have cared for their neighbors who are most at risk by delivering supplies to spare them from danger.

We have a lot to be thankful for.

At this moment, we also have hope in the form of a number of promising vaccines on the horizon. With this hope, despite the fatigue we all feel at having been deprived of even the most basic human interaction, it’s more important than ever that we honor the efforts and sacrifice of our fellow Connecticut residents by staying vigilant. It’s not easy, but the more we express our collective thanks by keeping each other safe when there are treatments so close at hand, the sooner we can get back to the life that we so dearly miss.

In the meantime, despite the impact COVID has had on volunteerism, there are still countless ways to step up and give back throughout this holiday season and beyond. Connecticut charities need your help more than ever – so consider donating time safely or supporting them however you can. We’re still one big family and in this together.

From my family to yours, I wish each of you a warm and happy Thanksgiving.

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HARTFORD, CT–Governor Ned Lamont announced that he has signed an executive order increasing the amount that businesses can be fined for violations of the state’s COVID-19 sector rules and capacity limits to $10,000 per violation. The governor said he is taking this action – which goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, November 26 – as the result of feedback he has received from municipal leaders, public health officials, and people from within the business community. The most recently authorized amount was a $500 fine.

“The sector rules and capacity limits we’ve implemented are intended to mitigate the spread of this disease to the greatest extent possible,” Governor Lamont said. “While the overwhelming majority of businesses in Connecticut have shown an incredible amount of leadership and have been fantastic partners in this front, we have seen a small number of businesses in flagrant violation of these public health rules, and that’s all you need to cause a super-spreading event that leads to a large number of cases and hospitalizations.

“Increasing compliance with the protocols we’ve already enacted is an important responsibility in keeping our communities safe. We want to do everything we can to mitigate the further spread of this virus while avoiding the implementation of more restrictions or lockdowns on our already hard-hit economy and small businesses.”

Fines for violations can be issued by local health directors or municipal designees, with the support of law enforcement. Other fines that remain in effect for violations of the state’s COVID-19 rules include $500 for organizing an event over capacity limits, $250 for attending events over capacity limits, $100 for failure to wear a face mask or covering when in public, and up to $500 for violations of the state’s travel advisory.

The gathering sizes and capacity limitations that are exempt from this order, which include private gatherings at private residences, religious and spiritual gatherings, and graduations, shall continue to be subject to infractions for violations of sector rules and other COVID-related orders.

“Particularly as we approach Black Friday and the start of the holiday shopping season, we want to stress the importance of following public health protocols to protect both customers and workers,” Governor Lamont said. “Working together, we can get the spread of COVID-19 under control while mitigating the impact that it is having on our economy.”

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Hartford, CT — Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of over 30 other attorneys general announcing a $113 million settlement with Apple, Inc. over iPhone throttling that the company engaged in 2016 to address unexpected shutdowns in certain devices. Under the settlement, Apple will pay $1.8 million to Connecticut.

“Apple failed Consumer Protection Law 101— don’t deceive your customers. They have already agreed to pay up to $500 million directly to consumers as restitution. Now, they will pay $113 million to states to address egregious violations of our consumer protection laws. This settlement also includes strong injunctive relief mandating truthful ongoing disclosure of battery health and phone performance,” said Attorney General Tong. “They knew their iPhones had battery issues. They should have openly and honestly fixed the problem. Instead, they hatched a scheme to covertly slow down customers’ phones. Mistakenly believing their phones were obsolete, consumers went out and bought new phones—handing Apple a windfall profit they had no business taking. Acting in close coordination with attorneys general across the nation, we stand ready to take aggressive action to protect consumers from fraud and deception.”

“This case shows the importance of business transparency and highlights what consumers should reasonably expect from the companies where they spend their hard-earned money,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull. “Companies should provide truthful and adequate information to consumers about the products they are purchasing, and provide updates to customers if there is a problem.”

Following a multistate investigation, the attorneys general allege that Apple discovered that battery issues were leading to unexpected shutdowns in iPhones.  Rather than disclosing these issues or replacing batteries, Apple concealed the issues from consumers.  Apple’s concealment ultimately led to a software update in December 2016 that reduced iPhone performance in an effort to keep the phones from unexpectedly shutting down. 

The attorneys general allege that Apple’s concealment of the battery issues and decision to throttle the performance of consumers’ iPhones led to Apple profiting from selling additional iPhones to consumers whose phone performance Apple had slowed.

In addition to the monetary payment to the states, Apple also must provide truthful information to consumers about iPhone battery health, performance, and power management.  Apple must provide this important information in various forms on its website, in update installation notes, and in the iPhone user interface itself.  Apple recently also entered into a proposed settlement of class action litigation related to the same conduct, and under that proposed settlement Apple will pay out up to $500 million in consumer restitution.

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Hartford, CT –Attorney General William Tong today urged the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to deny a change of ownership sought by Frontier Communications. In a brief filed today, Attorney General Tong raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency around the new ownership, and a complete lack of commitment to date to Connecticut’s consumers and workforce.

Frontier—currently in bankruptcy—is seeking to shed more than $10 billion in debt and obligations through bankruptcy, followed by the appointment of a new board of directors. The corporation has asserted the change would be “imperceptible” to its consumers, yet it has failed make any commitments to its Connecticut consumers or workforce, or even identify the new post-restructuring management or directors. They have made no commitments to maintain Frontier’s corporate headquarters in Connecticut, or to any ongoing investment in Connecticut operations.

“The entire transaction presents substantial risks to Connecticut, including a loss of local control, loss of capital investment, and degradations in the quality of service.  The petitioners have not met their burden of demonstrating the new management’s suitability to provide safe, adequate or reliable service to the public.  In fact, they have not even identified who that management might be.  This failure is compounded by the absence of any commitments whatsoever to protect the interests of Connecticut customers or with any demonstration that the transaction is in the public interest,” Attorney General Tong argues in the brief.

Frontier acquired Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET) in 2014. In the years since that acquisition, the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Consumer Protection have received well over 1,000 consumer complaints regarding excessive charges, poor service quality and unsatisfactory customer service. The Office of the Attorney General and DCP are currently investigating the company for possible violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Assistant Attorneys General Lauren Bidra, John Wright and Consumer Protection Department Head Michael Wertheimer are assisting the Attorney General in this matter.

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Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that the Partnership to End Human Trafficking (PEHT) will receive a $344,005 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office For Victims of Crimes. The grant will allow PEHT to partner with community organizations to improve the identification of trafficked individuals and to expand comprehensive services to human-trafficking victims.  

“Far too often, workers are lured to the U.S. by the promise of well-paying jobs and a better future, only to be coerced into unbearable conditions, including domestic servitude or prostitution rings,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “It’s horrific that this happens anywhere in the country, let alone in our own backyard. I’m glad that PEHT is receiving the federal resources needed to address the atrocity of human trafficking in Fairfield County.”  

“PEHT is so excited to have received this grant award from the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crimes to build capacity and to provide comprehensive services for victims of human trafficking in the Fairfield County Region of Connecticut” said Jamie Manirakiza, PEHT’s Executive Director. “We are currently opening a home for survivors of sex trafficking in the region, and this grant comes at an opportune time to increase our efforts in identification and response for victims of human trafficking in the community. Through this OVC award, we will work to collaborate with existing community partners to make a greater impact in Fairfield County, as we seek to come alongside survivors of this horrific crime.  Furthermore, we believe that our two-year trauma-informed and survivor informed transitional home for adult women survivors of trafficking, will fill in a gap in services in Fairfield County for this vulnerable population.” 

PEHT will partner with Love146, another anti-human trafficking non-profit, The Salvation Army Bloom Initiative to develop capacity to strengthen anti-human trafficking services through the provision of culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, comprehensive, and survivor-informed services in collaboration with local partners, develop a training plan with partners to increase victim identification in the Fairfield county region through outreach activities and targeted trainings, develop a strong referral network of anti-human trafficking service providers (including law enforcement and new and existing non-profit partners) that will meet the essential needs of each individual survivor; and constantly improve our service delivery through data collection and evaluation. Click here to learn more about PEHT.

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HARTFORD, CT) – Paul Mounds, Chief of Staff for the Office of the Governor, today released the following statement:

“A member of Governor Lamont’s security team has tested positive for COVID-19. The test was returned today. The member of the security detail has immediately entered self-isolation. Governor Lamont remains in self-quarantine at his private residence following exposure to a member of his senior staff last week. There are no other positive test results to report from the Governor’s Office.”

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Representatives Jim Himes (CT-04) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) announced the Western Connecticut Council of Governments received a $400,000 federal grant from the Department of Transportation. The Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant will be used to perform a study on the best method to finance improvements to the Metro-North Danbury and New Canaan Branch Lines.  

“Improving Metro-North is essential for our economy and our environment,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “Without efficient public transportation, job creation is hindered and our region’s economic growth is stunted. Plus, a larger Metro-North ridership means fewer cars on the road, cleaner air, and less CO2 emissions. I’m thrilled to see federal dollars invested into Southwest Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure. I look forward to working with Western CT Council of Governments in the future to continue to bring federal investments to the district.”  

“I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the Western CT Council of Governments a $400,000 grant for their Regional Value Capture Mechanism Study,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “The Western CT Council of Governments will be able to dedicate these funds to determine whether a regional value capture mechanism can be used on a regional, multi-jurisdictional level to generate the funds required to support improvements along the Metro-North Danbury and New Canaan Branch Lines in Connecticut.” 

“Faster, more reliable passenger rail service is a key for the region but has been held back due to a lack of funds,” said Francis R. Pickering, Executive Director, Western Connecticut Council of Governments. “The goal of the project is to remove this obstacle, developing consensus around an economically sustainable funding model for the Danbury and New Canaan branches, so that vital upgrades to these lines can advance without delay. The project will consider a range of options, with involvement by all currently served on the branch line, as well as communities to which service may be extended (including Brookfield and New Milford).” 

According to the US Department of Transportation, this grant will fund the “Regional Value Capture Mechanism Study” along the Metro-North Danbury and New Canaan Branch Lines in Connecticut. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a regional value capture mechanism, such as a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district or comparable mechanism, can be used on a regional, multi-jurisdictional level to generate the funds required to support improvements along the two Branch Lines. The study will include extensive legal, governance, service, and economic analysis to develop a financial and implementation plan. Click here to learn more.

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